Decoration Day

[gem]

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/civil-war-dead-honored-on-decoration-day

"By proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, the first major Memorial Day observance is held to honor those who died "in defense of their country during the late rebellion." Known to some as "Decoration Day," mourners honored the Civil War dead by decorating their graves with flowers. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery"

 

[Cavalry Charger]

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/civil-war-dead-honored-on-decoration-day

"By proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, the first major Memorial Day observance is held to honor those who died "in defense of their country during the late rebellion." Known to some as "Decoration Day," mourners honored the Civil War dead by decorating their graves with flowers. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery"

I'm guessing that's why there is also a Confederate Memorial Day...so the Confederate dead can be remembered and honored, too. I have to admit, I find it hard to get my head around this one, but am glad there is a moment in every year where they can all be honored and remembered, even if it's not the same moment. No wonder we're all still talking about it 150+ years later... Happy Memorial Day btw!

 

[gem]

I'm guessing that's why there is also a Confederate Memorial Day...so the Confederate dead can be remembered and honored, too. I have to admit, I find it hard to get my head around this one, but am glad there is a moment in every year where they can all be honored and remembered, even if it's not the same moment. No wonder we're all still talking about it 150+ years later... Happy Memorial Day btw!

I believe you are correct. The phrasing honor those who died "in defense of their country during the late rebellion." would suggest General Logan was speaking of Union soldiers.

 

[Cavalry Charger]

The phrasing honor those who died "in defense of their country during the late rebellion." would suggest General Logan was speaking of Union soldiers.

I believe you are correct as well It's a tricky one, and I can see the difficulty with it, but I guess almost everyone thought they were defending something at the time in relation to the country and the Constitution. Ha! I never thought of it that way until I wrote it here just now. I'm going to have to go away and think about that for a while...

 

[gem]

You're right in defense of country could be interpreted equally by both sides, but 'during the late rebellion' again suggests he was talking about Union soldiers since the confederacy never really considered itself to be in rebellion.

So we are back to where we started.

 

[Cavalry Charger]

Looks like it I'm not really arguing the point...just in case you thought I was...and I understand the point being made. My mind just refuses to accept the outcome!